Connectors



Sept. 17, R. R. SPROLE CONNECTORS Filed Jan. 2, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

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ROBERT. R SPROLE ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,104,144 CONNECTORS Robert R. Spa-ole, Ithaca, N.Y., assignor to Therm, Incorporated, Ithaca, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Jan. 2, 1962, Ser. No. 163,622 4 Claims. (Cl. 33989) This invention relates to electrical connectors and more particularly to multiple lead connectors having provision for equalized pressure contacts.

In electrical connectors involving a plurality of leads certainty that electrical contacts be established for all leads is essential. It is further highly desirable that that nature of the contact between the connector parts be under pressure to minimize contact resistance and that all contacts be under uniform pressure, whereby the contact resistance for each lead will be the same, so that all of the circuits will have like electrical characteristics, in so far as contact resistance is concerned. In multiple connectors generally, reliance for contact has often depended upon pins extending into sockets composed of resilient fingers. Heat generated by contact resistance, if the connection be faulty, may destroy the temper of the metal of the resilient fingers, and lead to ultimate failure of contact. On the other hand heat generated at a contact may result in fusion rendering it impossible to disconnect the connector. The insertion of contact pins into split sockets, if performed under conditions of misalignment may result in deforming one or more fingers of a socket or sockets all of which may seriously affect the reliability of the connector.

The present invention is directed to a connector in which solid pins projecting into solid sockets may be employed and wherein equal contact pressure is established for all connections. The invention is further directed to a multiple connector wherein the contacts are brought together under uniform pressure by differential pressure means affording high mechanical advantage so as to be manually operable. The invention is directed to a connector which is adapted to be reduced to miniature sizes, and which can be employed where space is at a premium, by reason of establishment of coupling pressure by differential action.

The above and other novel features of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is expressly understood that the drawings are employed for purposes of illustration only and are not designed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts:

FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal section through a triple connector with portions in elevation;

FIGURE 2 is a transverse section taken on the line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a longitudinal section through a triple connector with portions on elevation, and

FIGURE 4 is a transverse section taken on the broken line 44 of FIGURE 3.

In FIGURES 1 and 2 there are shown connector sleeves 20 and 22 containing male contacts, and female contacts, 24 and 26 respectively. The sleeve 22 is provided with a core of insulating material 28, in which are imbedded metallic female connector elements 26, three being employed, in equilateral arrangement about the connector axis A. Each of the elements 26 may have a conical exterior as at 30, and conical recesses 32, and a lead wire 34 may extend from each as is indicated. The sleeve 22 may have'an inturned thrust shoulder 36, and ex ternal knurling at the lower end as at 38. The exterior of the sleeve is provided with screw threads 40.

Patented Sept. 17, l 963 The sleeve 20 is provided with a transverse lower end block 42 of insulating material. The block is provided with three guide apertures '44, which may be conical. Through each of the apertures 44, there extends a tapered or conical contact pin 24, the lower end of which is adapted to be received in the corresponding contact elements 26, which, are in alignment with the pins 24, and apertures 44. The apertures 44 provide a loose fit around the pins 24 to allow sufficient clearance, for a purpose which will appear more fully hereinafter. The end block 42 may be retained within the sleeve 20, against an annular internal shoulder 48 in the sleeve 20 disposed above the block 42, by a split ring 46.

Located above the pins 24, which are provided with relatively flat ends 56, or slightly convex if desired, is a pressure equalizing block 52 preferably of suitable insulating material. The pressure equalizing block is provided with apertures 54 for each pin to accommodate a lead wire such as 56, and is loosely disposed within the bore of the sleeve 20, as indicated, and in spaced relation from the shoulder 43. Above the block 52. is a transverse end block 58 located within the sleeve between a split ring 60, and an internal thrust ring 62 threaded within the upper end of the sleeve 20, as indicated at 64.

Centrally, and on the axis of the sleeve 20, and between the equalizing block 52, and the end block 58 is disposed a compression ball 66 disposed in concave centering recesses 67 and 68 and in the blocks 52 and 58 respectively. The recesses are preferably of sufficient depth to retain the ball centralized irrespective of the limited movement allowed the block 52. The lead wires 56 may be resiliently spiralled or crimped as at 92 to permit elongation, and may be embedded in and extend through apertures in the end block 58, such block being preferably formed of insulating material. The lead wires may yieldingly urge the block 52 toward the end block to retain the thrust ball 66 centered.

It will be seen that the ball 66 will exert, through the equalizing block 5'2, equal pressure on the ends 50 of the pins 24, when the sleeves 20 and 22 are drawn together, with the pins 24 seated in their respective contact elements 26. In order to apply heavy and uniform pressure between each of the pins 24 and its respective element 26, I

the exterior of the sleeve 20 is provided with threads 70 of a like hand to the threads 40 of sleeve 22. However, the pitch of threads 70 will be of a slightly different pitch from the pitch of threads 40, as for example 24 threads and 23 threads to the inch respectively.

An external coupling collar 72 having upper and lower threaded flanges 74 and 76, with female threads to match the pitch of threads 70 and "40 respectively, is adapted to secure the sleeves 20 and 22 together, and by differential action, to draw the sleeves together so as to exert pressure on the pins 24 in their respective elements 26. The collar 72 may be externally knurled as at 73 so that an operator can readily hold the sleeve 22 by its knurling 38, while threading the collar 72 to apply the desired pressure. A lock nut 78 may be applied to prevent loosening.

In order to key the sleeves 2t)" and .22 against relative rotation during the drawing up process, the upper rim of the sleeve 22 may have one or more lugs 80 extending into grooves 82 in the exterior of the lower end of sleeve 20.

In the form shown in FIGURES 3 and 4, provision for equalized pressure between nine contact pins is provided. The connector comprises upper and lower sleeves 12.0 and 122 which may be drawn together by differential threads 1'40 and and an exterior coupling collar 172. The lower sleeve 122 will be provided with a core of insulating material 128, and have embedded therein nine female contact elements 126 arranged in three clusters of arca es three each. The three elements of each cluster will be disposed equilaterally from one another, and the centers of each cluster will be disposed equilaterally with respect to the axis B of the sleeves 120 and 122.

Within the upper sleeve is a guide block 142 having conical apertures .144 through which loosely extend tapered contact pins 124, the apertures and pins being aligned with the respective contact elements 126. Disposed above each cluster of pins 124 and bearing on the ends :15!) thereof, are triangular pressure blocks 15 1, and thereabove is pressure block 153 loosely disposed within the bore of the sleeve 120. An end block 158 located between a split ring 160, and an internal threaded thrust collar 162 is provided. Disposed between the blocks 153 and 153, and located on the axis B, and in centering recesses is a pressure ball 167, and located between the block 153, and blocks 151 are pressure balls 165, each disposed in the center of each cluster, and in centering recesses in the underside of the block 153 and upper side of the blocks 151.

Lead 56, extending to each of the pins 124 will extend loosely through apertures in the blocks 15:1 and block 153 and be embedded in block 158, the blocks preferably being of insulating material. Such leads will have crirnped portions 192 to permit relative movement between the pins 124 and the end member 158. As in the form shown in FIGURES l and 2, the pins 124 and their respective connector elements 126 are drawn together with uniform pressure by the differential threads 170 and 140 of the sleeves 120 and 1 22, and the coupling collar 172 the pressure being uniform, by reason of the pressure ball 167, and balls 165, which equalize the pressure on all pins. A lock nut 178 is provided to prevent loosening of the sleeve 172. The resiliency of the leads 192 may serve to yieldingly urge the blocks 151 toward the end block 158 to maintain the thrust balls 167 and 165 centered in their receptacles, and the depth of the centering recess in each of the blocks .151, 153 and 153 may be greater than the allowable movement of the blocks 15 1 and 153 to assure the balls from escape from their respective locations as set forth. If desired suitable retainers may be disposed around the balls to confine them.

In either form, the sleeves will be brought together so as to insert the pins in the connector elements, with the collar backed up upon the upper sleeve. Upon seating the pins in their respective elements, the collar is threaded downwardly to engage the threads of the female sleeve, 22 or 122, and further threading of the collar drawns the sleeves toward each other, placing the contacts under heavy pressure. The lock nut is thereafter applied.

While the illustrations are greatly exaggerated in size, it will be apparent that the connectors are readily adapted for use in extremely miniature sizes. In addition the insulating material employed may be a ceramic whereby the coupler may be subjected to use under high tempera ture conditions. The taper chosen between the pins and contact elements may be reduced so as to resist disconnection when once drawn up, or the taper increased to assure good contact under pressure, while permitting separation. The aperature 144 and 44 will engage the pins when disconnection is desired.

While a single modification with an extension thereof has been disclosed, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. As various changes in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as will be ap parent to those skilled in the art, reference will be had to the appended claims for a definition of the limits of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An electrical connector comprising a first and second sleeve axially aligned and disposed in spaced relation, a block of insulation in said first sleeve having three contact sockets facing toward the other sleeve and uniformly spaced from each other, a guide block fixed in one end of the second sleeve having a guide aperture aligned with each of said contact sockets, a tapered contact pin extending loosely through each of said apertures and having one end projecting into the respective aligned socket of said first sleeve and the other end of greater diameter than said guide aperture, means disposed in said second sleeve for exerting equal pressure upon said other ends of each of said pins upon drawing the sleeves toward one another, and differential coupling means disposed around both sleeves and having differential threaded engagement with both sleeves for drawing the sleeves together and exerting equal pressure upon each contact pin in its respective contact socket.

2. An electrical connector comprising a first and second sleeve axially aligned and disposed in spaced relation, a block of insulation in said first sleeve having three contact sockets facing toward the other sleeve and uniformly spaced from each other, a guide block fixed in one end of the second sleeve having a guide aperture aligned with each of said contact sockets, a tapered contact pin extending loosely through each of said apertures and having one end projecting into the respective aligned socket of said first sleeve and the other end of greater diameter than said guide aperture, a back up plate disposed in said second sleeve and overlying the other ends of each of said pins, and means for exerting pressure upon said back up plate at a point equidistant from each of said contact pins, and differential coupling means disposed around both sleeves and having differential threaded engagement with both sleeves for drawing the sleeves together and exerting equal pressure upon each contact pin in its respective contact socket.

3. An electrical connector comprising a first and second sleeve axially aligned and disposed in spaced relation, :1 block of insulation in said first sleeve having three contact sockets facing toward the other sleeve and disposed in uniformly spaced relation about the sleeve center, a guide block fixed in one end of the second sleeve having a guide aperture aligned with each of said contact sockets, a contact pin extending loosely through each of said apertures and having one end projecting into the respective aligned socket of said first sleeve and the other end of greater diameter than said guide aperture, a back up plate disposed in said second sleeve and overlying the other ends of each of said pins, an end closure for said second sleeve, a pressure ball disposed on the sleeve axis between said back up plate and end closure, and differential coupling means disposed around both sleeves and having differential threaded engagement with both sleeves for drawing the sleeves together and exerting equal pressure upon each contact pin in its respective contact socket through said back up plate and pressure ball.

4. An electrical connector comprising a first and second sleeve axially aligned and disposed in spaced relation, a block of insulation in said first sleeve having three groups of three contact sockets facing toward the other sleeve, each group being disposed in uniformly spaced relation about the sleeve center and the contacts of each group being equally spaced from one another, a guide block fixed in one end of the second sleeve having a guide aperture aligned with each of said contact sockets, a contact pin extending loosely through each of said apertures and having one end projecting into the respective aligned socket of said first sleeve and the other end of greater diameter than said guide aperture, a back up member for each group disposed in said second sleeve for exerting equal pressure upon said other ends of said pins of each group, a second pressure member overlying said back up members and spaced from each by a pressure ball lying on the center axis of each group of three contact pins, an end closure member securedin said second sleeve, a pressure ball disposed between said end member and pressure member and disposcdon the sleeve axis, and differential coupling means disposed around both sleeves and having differential threaded engagement References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Logan May 12, 1959 6 Luthy Mar. 14, 1916 Fanington et a1. Jan. 19, 1954 Barr Nov. 8, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS Germany Oct. 6, 1922 Austria Apr. 25, 1956 France Sept. 3, 1956 

1. AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR COMPRISING A FIRST AND SECOND SLEEVE AXIALLY ALIGNED AND DISPOSED IN SPACED RELATION, A BLOCK OF INSULATION IN SAID FIRST SLEEVE HAVING THREE CONTACT SOCKETS FACING TOWARD THE OTHER SLEEVE AND UNIFORMLY SPACED FROM EACH OTHER, A GUIDE BLOCK FIXED IN ONE END OF THE SECOND SLEEVE HAVING A GUIDE APERTURE ALIGNED WITH EACH OF SAID CONTACT SOCKETS, A TAPERED CONTACT PIN EXTENDING LOOSELY THROUGH EACH OF SAID APERTURES AND HAVING ONE END PROJECTING INTO THE RESPECTIVE ALIGNED SOCKET OF SAID FIRST SLEEVE AND THE OTHER END OF GREATER DIAMETER THAN SAID GUIDE APERTURE, MEANS DISPOSED IN SAID SECOND SLEEVE FOR EXERTING EQUAL PRESSURE UPON SAID OTHER ENDS OF EACH OF SAID PINS UPON DRAWING THE SLEEVES TOWARD ONE ANOTHER, AND DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING MEANS DISPOSED AROUND BOTH SLEEVES AND HAVING DIFFERENTIAL THREADED ENGAGEMENT WITH BOTH SLEEVES FOR DRAWING THE SLEEVES TOGETHER AND EXERTING EQUAL PRESSURE UPON EACH CONTACT PIN IN ITS RESPECTIVE CONTACT SOCKET. 